Read More

Morahan was the sixth new recruit to be announced ahead of next season, joining Steven Luatua, Ian Madigan, Alapati Leiua, Sione Faletau and Jack Cosgrove in what is set to be a majorly-overhauled squad under Lam.

After the positives, though, the nagging doubt is likely to have followed: what, if anything, does Morahan’s arrival mean for Jason Woodward’s Bristol future?

When Bristol announced the signing of Woodward, back in September, their press release included the following: “the 26-year-old – who is equally adept at full-back or wing”.

When they announced the signing of Morahan, who is 26, he was described as a “utility back – who can play wing, full-back and centre”.

Given Woodward made his first three appearances for Bristol in the No 13 shirt, and given both players had two-team Super Rugby careers, the similarities are inescapable.

Not that two such players cannot happily coexist within the same squad – and Bristol would no doubt happily spend next season looking at ways to work both men into their starting XV. The idea of a back three of Woodward, Morahan and Tom Varndell is not a bad starting point at any level.

But while the signing of Morahan has essentially been made because he is: a) very good at rugby, b) available and c) willing to sign for Bristol regardless of whether they are an Aviva Premiership or GKIPA Championship team in September, the deal inevitably still finds itself inextricably linked with Woodward.

The murmurings around the club are that it will be very difficult for Bristol to keep Woodward should they be relegated, with Gloucester and Harlequins already routinely being linked with him, while Sale Sharks could emerge as a dark horse should the worst happen.

Read More

Woodward’s partner is from Manchester, and Sale are eager to add star quality to their ranks after missing out on players such as George Ford, while Woodward knows Gloucester’s set-up from his time at Hartpury College, and Harlequins – and London – will always boast an appeal.

That’s a quarter of the Premiership teams – and others will want him, too. Who wouldn’t?

Woodward has been outstanding for Bristol – arguably the best signing Andy Robinson made for the club in more than three years at the helm – in his 12 appearances.

But this is a man who started ahead of Julian Savea as Hurricanes won the Super Rugby final less than a year ago and has maintained his excellence in a struggling Bristol team.

While there is no doubt Bristol are now properly building for the future, after several botched attempts, it would be difficult to begrudge Woodward the opportunity to continue to play at Premiership level should they be relegated. If his contractual terms allow it, it would be impossible.